Rinspeed Advantige R one Concept, 2001

Rinspeed Advantige R one Concept, 2001

 

 

The challenge : guilt-free pleasure
For RINSPEED developers the goal was clear: create a strikingly designed, down-to-earth sports car that offers tons of unique driving fun with exemplary environmental friendliness. The Advantige Rone with its height of only 97cm (38") is the lowest automobile and the first sports car in the world that runs on biofuel made from kitchen and garden waste.

The design : straight from pit lane
The roots of the Advantige Rone are unmistakable even at first glance: Pure motor racing. The well-balanced combination of Formula 1 and LeMans racecars results in an unusual, highly aerodynamically efficient design with the driver at its center. The car's body lines are reinforced by longitudinal air inlets in the shape of shark gills. The rear view mirrors have been replaced by three color cameras whose images are transmitted to LCD monitors in the cockpit.

Lean : the dynamic cockpit
The most striking characteristic in the cockpit of the Advantige Rone is the central and extremely low seating position of the driver. As in earlier Rinspeed concept cars (Mono Ego and E-Go Rocket) the driver sits in the middle and - at least while driving - remains alone.

The almost reclining position of the driver allows for an extremely low body profile. The overall vehicle height is just 97cm - low enough that a stunt driver could pilot it underneath a flatbed trailer.

To improve visibility in city driving and facilitate parking, Rinspeed specialists developed the
"Dynamic Cockpit Control Concept (DCCC)".

This new and unique system allows dynamic positioning of the cockpit. Height and inclination of the cockpit - and with it the driver - are adjusted electronically according to vehicle speed: Up to 40 km/h the cockpit is automatically in the highest position. Beyond 75 km/h the cockpit is lowered by about 30 cm into its lowest position.

The cockpit also leans into turns in motorcycle fashion, governed by the centrifugal forces created by turning speed and radius. The result is a completely new turning sensation. Says Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht, 45: "This unique combination of automobile, motorcycle and racecar cries out for the endless hairpin curves of Mediterranean coastal roads - a truly special thrill and treat."

Clean : forward-looking biofuel
The Advantige Rone with its bivalent drive concept (gasoline/biofuel) is the cleanest sports car in the world. Even fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG) the environmental advantages are impressive: Exhaust emissions are 60 to 95 percent below today's stringent emission limits for gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Even more environmental friendly is the operation with resource-conserving Kompogas. It is produced by fermenting organic waste - mostly kitchen and garden waste - and is therefore CO2 neutral. With the energy extracted from 100 kilograms organic waste the Advantige Rone will cover 100 kilometers without contributing to the so-called greenhouse effect.

This new technology is a development of the Swiss Kompogas AG in Glattbrugg. It is already in use in numerous plants around the world. Among the licensees and interested parties are companies from Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Japan, USA, Brazil and Australia.

A Kompogas plant with a yearly capacity of 20 000 metric tons produces the energy equivalent of 1.4 million liters (370,000 US gallons) of gasoline. If all organic waste were recycled in Kompogas plants a considerable part of individual transportation could be accomplished using CO2 neutral fuel.

Advantige : Audi Individual
Contrary to many concept cars by other tuners the Advantige Rone is not just a mere showpiece. It is a cradle for new ideas and technologies and a first glimpse of the new exclusive tuning program Advantige Audi Individual of Rinspeed GmbH, which also debuts at the Geneva Motor Show 2001. On the Advantige Rone Rinspeed GmbH for the first time presents its original split-rim 8.5 x 19-inch wheels with their unmistakable styling. The Remus tailpipes in Advantige design also make their debut on the Rone.

The technology : lightness of being
The rear-mounted bivalent 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (16V) produces 120 hp at 5,500 rpm and delivers its maximum torque of 165 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear axle via a five-speed manual gearbox.

The body of the Advantige Rone is made from rarely used Pre-Preg composite and lends the Rinspeed Advantige Rone extraordinary stability at extremely low weight. Thanks to this exemplary lightweight design the Swiss "shark" weighs in at a mere 750 kg. The resulting power-to-weight ratio is enough to set hearts racing _ even among pilots of exclusive Italian sportscars. Performance is correspondingly impressive: The Advantige Rone accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in less than six seconds and has a top speed of 205 km/h.

The two-piece Advantige 19-inch wheels are independently suspended using custom-developed Eibach springs. The ample tire dimensions of the brand-new SportContact 2 by Continental (235/35 in front and 255/40 in rear) guarantee safe grip at all times. Together with the extremely low center of gravity of the vehicle, the tires allow extraordinary high cornering speeds. High-gloss chrome plated tailpipes by Remus further emphasize the sporty nature of the Advantige Rone. The cross drilled brakes disks from Derendinger guarantee safe stopping.

The interior : envy of formula pilots
The sporty interior is a captivating blend of technical functionality and creature comforts. An innovative hi-fi system by Sony delivers musical pleasure. Engine and vehicle data is displayed by two large round gauges as well as by two futuristic head-up displays from in.pro. Despite the relative confines of the interior an exclusive carpet from Rieter Automotive Systems and choice upholstery material from X-Mobil create a comfortable atmosphere. Foliatec contributed many sharp styling elements for the interior and the exterior. The conspicuous paint job by Standox in the 'Exclusive Line' hues Standox "Imola Ice" and "Catalunya Splash" changes color from blue and silver to red depending on the light angle.

The development : 100-percent Swiss
Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of automotive specialists for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland to speak of, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

The Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired as general contractor for the entire project, including for project management, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Advantige Rone. Esoro completed the challenging task on schedule with the help of three of its best Swiss-based suppliers. Protoscar oversaw the design and animation on a sophisticated 3D CAD system. Logos manufactured the moulds and composite parts and Schwaller Movement Engineering - a supplier of the Sauber Formula 1 team - did the metal work. The team translated initial sketches into a fully functional prototype in just four and a half months.

Rinspeed Tatooo.com Concept, 2000

Rinspeed Tatooo.com Concept, 2000

 

The original concept of the "Multi Utility Vehicle (M.U.V.)" was first demonstrated in last year's creation for the Geneva Motor Show, the Rinspeed X-Trem. TATOOO.COM takes that concept to a new dimension.

The Design
The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM can't hide the fact that its roots lie in the traditional American hot rod. Its lines are reminiscent of the classic pick-up trucks of the Fifties. The dominating hood with its large air intakes lends a sporty and dynamic appearance to the showstopper.

The front and rear fenders with their generous sweeping lines just barely cover the extra-wide tires. The windshield and side windows are very low compared to contemporary production cars. These observation slits harken back to the hot rod era. The doors are completely free of attached parts, with the exception of the rearview mirrors required by law. Door handles have been replaced by a remote-controlled electromagnetic opening mechanism. The truck bed is also free of attached parts. Wide side skirts and modern light units provide the only visual clues that the vehicle is in fact a synthesis of old and new. The tailgate is a real novelty. It is essentially a frame with a transparent and indestructible Lexan plate in the center. The tailgate lends a much lighter appearance to the vehicle's rear and gives stylists unprecedented design freedom.

The Technology
Under the enormous front-hinged hood a powerful 5.7-liter V8 aluminum power plant delivers feisty acceleration. Precision tuning delivers a power output of 409 hp (301 kW) at 5'800 rpm. Maximum torque is 555 Nm at 4'350 rpm. The dual exhaust system with striking Remus tailpipes produces a robust sound. Ultra wide and ultra low Continental SportContact tires in sizes 245/35 ZR 20 and 295/40 ZR 20 provide the necessary grip for the enormous available torque. For mounting the tires, An Italian wheel manufacturer created custom 20-inch rims. Getting to 100 km/h from a standstill takes just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 245 km/h.

The RINSPEED TATOOO.COM features a pneumatic suspension to keep the vehicle leveled perfectly at all times. An infinite number of suspension settings are available at the push of a button. This offers a couple of advantages. In addition to continuously adjustable ride firmness, the suspension permits adjustments in ride height, depending on terrain, speed or road conditions.

Like all its predecessors, e.g. "X-Trem", "E-Go Rocket" and "Mono Ego", the TATOOO.COM is fully street-legal and conforms to all current EU regulations.

The X-Tra-Lift
The lifting mechanism "X-Tra-Lift" (+ patents pending), introduced last year, has undergone intensive further development. Through the use of a dual-arm cantilever, engineers have achieved linear lift without a center of gravity. A mechanical drive, located below the truck bed, swivels both arms to and fro in tandem, thus lifting or lowering the load platform in less than a minute. The electric motor is powered by the vehicle battery and activated by remote control. The system also incorporates all possible safety features, including an inclination angle limiter.

The "X-Tra-Lift" was specifically integrated into the vehicle design. The tubular frame offers protection against rollover accidents and visually integrates the system into the vehicle body.

The loading system is ready for production and enjoys high demand, especially in the USA.

Toys as Cargo
"B.O.B." isn't a nickname for an American man in this case. Loaded onto the back of TATOOO.COM it stands for "Breathing Observation Bubble." "B.O.B." - produced in sunny Florida - is a totally new diving apparatus. The underwater motor scooter looks like something straight out of a science-fiction movie. Even beginners can easily dive up to 30 feet deep. The diver's head moves freely in an air pocket under a helmet reminiscent of Darth Vader. There is no mouthpiece, no regulator. A battery-powered propeller provides propulsion. Steering is done with a kind of bicycle handle that operates a rudder. Diving depth is controlled by a sack of air that inflates and deflates and is adjusted easily at the push of a button. The compressed-air bottle holds enough air for one-hour excursions under water.

Street toys, of course, also need to be transported. So a customized Ducati Monster 900 S with chrome styling is also available as cargo for easy transport.

The Interior
The interior of the RINSPEED TATOOO.COM is creative and futuristic in design and choice of materials. Imitation African mamba snake leather, woven beige leather from Italy and terracotta-colored plastic floor covering lend an exclusive yet natural touch. The Austrian company Burg Design did the styling of these and other décor elements. The clever combination of these unusual elements, colors, and patterns creates just the perfect setting for the high-tech Sony stereo system. Many parts of the interior and exterior are plated with a chrome-like finish called SLC ("Surface Like Chrome") using a new technology developed by Durovib. FoliaTec contributed many useful design elements inside and out.

Hummer H1 10th Anniversary Edition, 2002

Hummer H1 10th Anniversary Edition, 2002

 

The Hummer H1 is a civilian vehicle based on the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), popularly known as the Humvee, which was created by AM General.

History
Originally released in the civilian market in 1992, the Hummer H1 owes its birth to the popularity of photos from Operation Desert Storm and the enthusiastic campaign from actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who personally owns several variants of Hummer vehicles. GM announced that 2006 would be the last model year for the Hummer H1 with production winding down in June 2006, due to a new emission laws for Diesel engine vehicles which take effect in 2007. No version of the Hummer H1 ever produced would meet these new standards. AM General currently has orders for an excess of 50,000 new HMMWVs to be produced between 2006-2009 for the United States Military. AM General also will continue to produce the H1, just not the Alpha. These vehicles will be sold through Fleet sales. The next H1 will most-likely bear a refined version of the prior 6.5L Turbo Diesel engine, but that has not been confirmed. Selling the H1's through fleet sales will allow the AM General to not be subjected to the new emission rules and regulations. AM General has sufficient fleet orders to produce 600-800 units per year right now.

Specifications
The Hummer H1 has three common variants: a convertible-like soft top, a four-door hard top pickup truck and a Wagon body version. Other less known variants include a two-door pickup truck and a four-door slantback. At this time, the convertible/soft top and the station wagon versions are the only ones available in the mass market. The two door and four door pickup versions are only available in fleet livery.

Five engine types and three automatic transmission types can be found in Hummer H1s. The common engine/transmission combinations are:
    * 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8/GM TH400/3L80 3-speed
    * 6.5 L Detroit Diesel V8/GM 4L80-E 4-speed
    * 5.7 L Vortec 5700 gasoline V8 TBI/GM 4L80-E 4-speed
    * 6.5 L turbo Detroit Diesel V8/GM 4L80-E 4-speed
    * 6.6 L Duramax LLY turbo Diesel/Allison 1000 5-speed (model year 2006)

The Hummer H1 shares some common driveline parts with its HMMWV brethren. Items like brakes, differentials, frame and major body panels (hood, tailgate and quarter panels) are identical between the HMMWV and the Hummer H1. All Hummer H1s and HMMWVs come off the same first stage assembly line, and then are separated midway to either become a military HMMWV or a civilian H1.

Hummer H1s are unique in the way they handle off road. They are inherently very stable, thanks to their wide stance. They also can ford 30 inches (76 cm) of water, climb a 22-inch (56 cm) step, have a stock ground clearance of 16 inches (41 cm) (thanks to its design of tucking driveline components inside a channel, which subsequently intrudes into the cabin space of the vehicle), have approach/departure angles of 72/37.5 degrees and most H1s are equipped with Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), which enables the driver to increase or decrease the tire air pressure at will.

Hummer H1s have many unusual features. They use inboard brakes. They have geared hubs, allowing the drivetrain's half shafts to be up high for greater clearance. The radiator is up high, sloping back over the engine. Rather than using simple runflat tires, aluminum or rubber inserts are an optional feature for runflat ability. A central tire inflation system is available as an option. Chemical warfare resistant paint is available only on the military version.